Let the Lighting Begin

I have officially begun my coursework at Hochschule Wismar's Masters of Architectural Lighting Design program. I am excited about the program and the faculty and I can't wait to continue my education and experience in lighting design. Updates with assignments will follow. 

27th Annual IALD Design Awards

The 27th annual IALD International Lighting Design Awards have been unveiled. The winner of The Radiance Award for their third consecutive year is Speirs and Major Associates for their exterior lighting of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The project has been featured in numerous lighting design blogs and magazines for the complexity of the concept and, ultimately, the high production value with which it was achieved.

The concept of the project was to light the mosque via projection towers strategically placed throughout the exterior of the facade. The projection work mimics the Islamic calendar which follows the lunar calendar, and is illustrated onto the structure via varying shades of deep hued blues to smoky grays, depending on the phase of the moon, new moon or full moon, respectively.

Architecturally, the project is almost laughable for it's over-the-top Disney theme that only the UAE and, perhaps, mid-western Americans who love Las Vegas, can appreciate. However, as a lighting concept that coordinates itself well with the large, lunar shapes of the domes and the following of Islamic prayer, it's a grand success.

The Utah State Capitol Restoration project received the Award of Excellence. The Beaux Arts-influenced capitol building experienced a lighting overhaul by Randy Burkett Lighting Design Inc. which resulted in reducing the energy by over 60%. Architecturally, the lighting of the structure enhanced the lines of the building. Internally, luminaires which were only known through archival photography were recreated, bringing a new old life to the interiors.

An Award of Merit went to the jewelery shop, Joyeria D in Pamplona, Spain. The lighting design firm associated with the retail shop is Architectural Lighting Solutions from the UK. Architecturally, the shop is such a whimsical play on the motif that it's foolish not to love. Like something from a James Bond movie, the architectural cladding of the interior is made to represent that of a foam-padded jewelery briefcase. All of the indirect lighting in the floor and mill work coves provides a sleek, hospitality-like environment, which I find to be very intimate. Whereas all of the direct lighting is smartly configured above the show counters to provide maximum bling for your bling, while minimizing the squint factor you might experience in many jewelery retail scenarios.

Hochschule Wismar

I've been accepted to Hochschule Wismar's Masters of Architectural Lighting Program for the fall of 2010. However, I've asked for deferment to attend the fall of 2011 so that I can apply to a scholarship through the Deutsche Akademische Austausch Dienst. My move to Germany to study is slowly coming to fruition. Here goes everything.

PROJECT :: Paper Lampshades :: Part 5

I installed one of the paper lampshades. It is temporarily installed around the globular pendant lamp that was already hung above the dining room table. I was happy with the look and the glow it gave. The patterning of the lamp mimics the damask wallpaper. I intend to continue to create various paper lampshades and illuminate them using various other sources. Keep'em peeled.

PROJECT :: Installation Wall :: Part 7

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to run a test-trial installation of the paper wall. With the much needed help of a friend, we were able to install the mock-up in less than four hours. Below are some photos of the installation process.

A lot was learned about the project during the installation. I developed a new method of installation that I feel will speed the process along greatly. This new method of installation will also take into account the curling of the paper which was opposing to the direction of the arches, causing double inflection to the curvature. Lastly, the largest curve wasn't able to hold its form due to the density/weight of the paper and the scale of the curve. This can be solved by using a heavier weighted paper and a smaller scaled version of the paper wall. Thanks to Matt for the photos and the assistance!

PROJECT :: Installation Wall :: Part 6

A photo of a maquette of the paper installation wall I made recently. Still some more playing around to do before installing it.

PROJECT :: Paper Lampshades :: Part 4

Last night I assembled the paper lampshade and placed a light source within it. Here's a photo.